Los Angeles is renown for its amazing weather and glorious sunshine, which residents may bask in year round. This idyllic setting lends itself to plenty of alfresco dining spaces throughout the city, where diners can feast in the favorable open air. From the ocean to the canyon to the valley, we’ve unearthed the best outdoor dining experiences for families with young children in tow!
Inn of the Seventh Ray
Perhaps one of the best kept secrets in LA, Inn of the Seventh Ray is discreetly, yet majestically tucked away in tranquil Topanga Canyon. If your family needs a dose of Zen, dine creek side at this decidedly new-agey restaurant which serves only the purest, organic, homemade food with breathtaking views of nature providing the unforgettable backdrop. Parents should bring hefty appetites to the Sunday brunch, which features a bountiful array of delectably prepared gourmet vegetarian, vegan and raw foods for $33. A second brunch option includes meat, egg and waffle dishes for $37. For kids age 5 and under, there’s no charge for the brunch, and for kids ages 6-11 the fee is $1.75 for each year of their age. Families may ask to be seated on the lower level so kids can play in the creek bed throughout the dining experience. This meal will certainly be rejuvenating, given its deep departure into a serene, awe-inspiring outdoor setting.
128 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, Ca
310-455-1311
Online: innoftheseventhray.com
Duke’s Malibu
If ocean views float your boat, it doesn’t get any better than the vantage point from the outdoor dining area at Duke’s Malibu. Located ‘at the water’s edge,’ families will love the laid back vibe, ocean breezes and picturesque ambiance at this famous seafood restaurant. The kids menu offers tot-friendly entrees such as fresh fish and chips, that come with a beverage, and fries, steamed veggies or applesauce for $6.95. And with a free side order of a million dollar view, Duke’s can’t be beat.
21150 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, Ca
310-317-0777
Online:dukesmalibu.com
Home
Sure, there’s no place like home, but when you’d rather dine out in an environment that’s as comfortable as your house, minus the clean-up, head to Los Feliz eatery, Home. Slide into a cozy booth on the patio at Home, and soak up the natural ambiance of sunshine, vibrant trees, waterfalls, and mini ponds filled with exotic fish. Highly regarded for its down-home fare and extensive variety of comfort food from breakfast through dinner (all meals are served all day long), kids will devour the silver dollar pancakes, and if you have a vegetarian tot in tow, opt for the tasty tofu nuggets. This restaurant lives up to its welcoming name by adding that they are family-friendly and welcome dogs too!
1760 Hillhurst Avenue
Los Angeles, Ca
323-669-0211
Online: homelosfeliz.com
Ca’ Del Sole
Italian food lovers rejoice! Ca’ Del Sole serves up delicious, traditional Northern Italian cuisine in a setting that’s both beautiful and hospitable. Their newly renovated patio features private cabanas, and their sophisticated kid’s menu is one YOU may be tempted to order from! Free of typical standard kid fare, Ca’ Del Sole offers authentic dishes to suit both simple and sophisticated kids’ palates. Dishes include: the kids Fritto Misto calamari appetizer, which costs a mere $4, the Milanese entree of breaded chicken breast, butter lettuce and orange vinaigrette is $8 and the Chocolato flourless chocolate cake with vanilla sauce is just $3! But beware: your tot may never again be satisfied with a serving of mac and cheese after this dining experience!
4100 Cahuenga Boulevard
Toluca Lake, Ca
818-985-4669
Online: cadelsole.com
Saddle Ranch Chop House at Universal Citywalk
Take your buckaroos to dine at the outdoor patio of Saddle Ranch Chop House, and they can watch restaurant patrons try their hand at bull riding while they feast on a meal of mini-cheeseburgers. If your lil’ cowboy cleans his plate, treat him to Saddle Ranch’s Roast Your Own S’mores Platter, which comes complete with marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate bars, caramel and chocolate sauces! You roast the marshmallows at one of their outdoor campfire pits and then get busy creating and devouring your sweet treats!
1000 Universal Studios Boulevard. #195
Universal City, Ca
818-760-9680
Online: srrestaurants.com
Where are your favorite spots to bring your little ones to dine outside in the sunshine?
-- Beth Shea
